Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular degeneration (aMD)
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration, also known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is when part of your retina called the macula is damaged. It is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 50. The macula is the central part of the retina which is responsible for sharp central vision, and with AMD you start to lose your central vision. Think about looking at a clock, but only able to see the numbers and not the hands.
Here is a short video on Macular Degeneration: How the Eye Works
2 main types of macular degeneration:
Dry AMD (Non-Neovascular): the most common type of macular degeneration. About 80% of cases have this form of AMD. It is characterized by the build up of drusen—small yellow deposits of fatty proteins under the retina. Overtime the drusen will lead to the deterioration of the macula, causing the gradual central vision loss.
Wet AMD (Neovascular): less common but more severe than dry AMD. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid into the macula causing scarring. This can cause rapid central vision loss.
The exact cause for macular degeneration is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Risk Factors
age
family history
smoking
high blood pressure
obesity
excessive sun exposure
What are the warning signs?
blurred central vision
difficulty with fine details
dark or blank spots (mainly in your central vision)
straight lines appear wavy
increased sensitivity to glare
Now, you may be wondering how we test in the office for Macular Degeneration. Here are some things we do to determine AMD:
Visual Acuity Test: this is a standard vision test to check how well you see at certain distances.
Dilated Eye Exam: this allows Dr. Bhasin to take a look at the back of your eye (retina and macula included) with the magnifying slit lamp.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): this is a high resolution imaging technique that provides cross-sectional images of the macula. It helps with determining abnormalities such as fluid buildup or thinning of the macular tissue.
Medical History & Symptoms: we will take a detailed medical history including any history of family eye conditions or macular degeneration, as well as any symptoms you are experiencing.
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments and interventions that can help manage the condition and slow its progression.
Here are some lifestyle changes that may help slow the progression:
Diet- eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamins A, C, and D), and minerals (like zinc). This can be done by having a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Smoking Cessation- quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk progression of macular degeneration.
AREDS Supplements- for certain individuals, taking high-dose supplements known as AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) formulations may help slow the progression. Of course, consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Refer to a Retina Specialist- Dr. Bhasin can manage AMD, but if the progression is far from what we can manage and there is further testing needed, we will refer you out to a Retina Specialist for them to continue your care.
It's essential to remember that the choice of treatment depends on the specific type and stage of macular degeneration and should be determined in consultation with an eye care specialist. Regular eye exams and early detection are crucial for effective management, as treatment outcomes are often more favorable when the condition is caught in its early stages.